I have breastfed 3 (well still breastfeeding my third while pregnant with my 4th) and have never owned any nursing clothes. I tend to wear looser shirts for a while to hide my post baby flab and just pull them up to nurse. They drape over the exposed boob enough that I'm not flashing anyone. Since I haven't owned any, I don't know if they are worth the money, but they are definitely optional.